Automation: The transforming power of real-time transactions

FIVE years ago Blockbuster Video was right on target in the home-entertainment industry, providing movies for rental on videotape and DVD. Now, however, another option seems to be at the cutting edge, as customers increasingly turn to movies that are available in an online format. Downloaded movies can be rented in a real-time, on-demand environment. Customers don’t have to worry about a movie being out of stock or about paying late-return fees. This seems to be a challenge to which Blockbuster must respond for its long-term financial health.

Likewise, every business must be able to respond to market changes. Assessing market changes in advance, when possible, can increase an organization’s chances of survival and prosperity. Many futurists point out that assessing the future must involve a careful study of one’s current environment. Independent agents today are in the incipient stages of watching a new, still-developing phenomenon-the Internet-that can create a substantial opportunity for their future survival and profitability. It is critical for the future of agencies that they plan now to take maximum advantage of the opportunity.